Golf notes.

Kite Lands In Western Field

Couples, Irwin Uncommitted

The Motorola Western Open received a big boost Wednesday when former champion Tom Kite committed to the field for next week's tournament at Cog Hill's Dubsdread.

Kite, 1992 U.S. Open champion, won the Western in 1986 at Butler National. He's the all-time leading money-winner on the PGA Tour and is one of its most consistent players. Kite, 15th on the Tour money list this season with $472,653, has been in the top 10 in earnings 10 of the last 13 years.

"He was one of the last big names we were unsure of," said Western tournament director Greg McLaughlin, who is still hoping Fred Couples and Hale Irwin will play. "He is a big addition to our field. We won't know about Freddie until late, and Hale committed very late last year."

As of Wednesday, the Western had 11 of the top 20 money-winners. No. 2 Tom Lehman, No. 5 Jeff Maggert, defending champion and No. 6 Nick Price and No. 10 John Huston are in the top 10. Price, Phil Mickelson, Scott Hoch, Ben Crenshaw, Mike Springer, Mike Heinen, Neal Lancaster and Mark Brooks are tournament winners in the field. Officials are still hopeful Buick Invitational champion Craig Stadler, who has verbally committed and has hotel reservations, will officially commit this week.

The Western will be missing two of the Tour's top attractions. Leading money winner Greg Norman, who has been second three straight times, is fulfilling a commitment to the Greater Hartford Open, and John Daly is playing in Europe.

"I would say this field would be a `9,' " said McLaughlin. "With Norman and Daly, it would be a 10. Most tournaments are lucky to get an 8."

She's in: Marla Jemsek has accepted a sponsor's exemption into the Aug. 15-21 LPGA Chicago Challenge at White Eagle Club in Naperville. She was the 1993 Greater Chicago Golf Media Player of the Year and is ranked among the top women amateurs in the country by GolfWeek.

Head-liner: Sports psychologist David Cook will present his seminar "Psychology of Winning Golf" Tuesday at the Hyatt Deerfield. Cook, who works with several PGA Tour pros, including Western Open participants Steve Lowery and Kirk Triplett, will give a three-hour lecture to pros and amateurs on the game's mental side.

The seminar will cost $129 for those with advance reservations and $150 at the door. For information, call 1-800-LOW-SCORE.

Splendid seniors: Super senior Ted Guzman recently won the Chicago Senior Amateur championship at Jackson Park. The 71-year-old shot his age to beat two-time former champion Mike Plenc by a shot. Plenc and third-place Sam Gerber all shot their ages or better.

There's a drive: The Yonex Long Drive Challenge will take place Sunday at Oak Hill Club, Ill. Hwy. 83 and Bliff Road in Hinsdale. Forty regional competitions will take place in open, senior, super senior and ladies' divisions. There will also be a long drive shootout against a member of Yonex's Long Drive team. Participants are eligible for a drawing for a trip for two to the Nicklaus/Flick Golf School at Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach, Calif.